Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is accompanied by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, and mood swings. Doctors believe the disorder affects the way the brain processes pain signals. It is more common among women and can come with a slew of other health conditions, like depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Some of the lifestyle tips fibromyalgia patients can follow is to use natural remedies that help in managing this disorder.
These lifestyle tips and remedies can help reduce symptoms of this disorder and improve the overall quality of life.
1. Natural remedies for fibromyalgia
Changing one’s lifestyle is a good way to treat a disorder like fibromyalgia. Using natural or home remedies are one of the lifestyle tips fibromyalgia that can be beneficial. While most of these alternative health treatments are safe and can help reduce symptoms and provide relief, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before trying them out. You should indulge in these remedies along with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, and not depend on them solely.
- Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian system that involves performing asanas or exercises that are beneficial for health. Doing these yoga exercises can help in strengthening muscles and providing relief from aches and pains.
Yoga involves practicing extensive breathing exercises that help relax the body and mind. It helps reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- Acupuncture
A Chinese medical system, acupuncture uses needles to manage the flow of energy in the body. There are many points on the body, which when stimulated with a needle, can help in treating symptoms of diseases. Acupuncture is useful in providing relief from pain and ache.
- Acupressure
The concept of acupressure is similar to acupuncture. There are pressure points in the body, which when massaged helps to treat certain disorders. Acupressure can help in reducing the pain that is experienced by fibromyalgia patients.
- 5-HTP
5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid. It is available as a supplement and can be taken regularly by those afflicted with fibromyalgia. This supplement helps in producing serotonin that can help improve a person’s mood. It also helps to relieve stress and reduce pain. However, it is best to consult a doctor before taking this supplement.
- Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that controls our body’s sleep cycle. It is available as a supplement and can be taken by fibromyalgia patients who have sleep-related disorders. Melatonin can help these individuals to sleep well, which in turn helps the body to relax, and reduce pain.
- Rest
While exercise is required to stretch muscles and provide relief from pain, rest is equally important. Those having fibromyalgia tend to get tired easily. In such a situation, they must take proper rest and avoid strenuous activities until they are fit enough.
2. Home remedies for fibromyalgia
When you experience pain due to fibromyalgia, don’t reach for pain killers. Instead, try these home treatments to reduce pain.
- Use a heating pad on the areas where you experience pain.
- Try using hot steam on a pad and then making it into a compress.
- Also, ice packs can help reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia.
- Taking a warm shower or spending time in the tub full of warm water can help in getting you relief from pain.
The lifestyle tips fibromyalgia related to natural remedies has been presented in this article. These alternative remedies are safe and can be tried at home. They can help in providing relief from the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia.